Improv Blogging + Other Ways I’m Challenging Myself This March

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Hello! ❤ I’d like to invite you to attend a coffee chat-type update post on my blog on this beautiful Friday! I’ve been making lots of changes on my blog recently, as well as huge positive changes in my real life, and I wanted to let you in on all that’s been happening (and will be happening!) around here.

How I’m Challenging Myself This March

I’m going to be improv blogging this whole upcoming month. I can’t tell you how excited I am for this, especially since I just made it up, haha! From day one of Dreaming of Guatemala, I’ve been a planned blogger, scripting everything down to the simplest of punctuation. I’ve shared before that I’m a perfectionist, and this is quite possibly most evident in the way I blog. (Anyone remember when I kept posts scheduled and publishing the summer I had strep throat, so no one even knew I was bedridden? No one remembers that? Alright haha) So, surprisingly enough, I’m tired of doing this. I’m tired of being such a “great” planner that I stress myself out trying to get everything perfect (insider information: I never accomplish perfection), so I’m going to challenge myself to do something. *rubs hands together* I am not going to write a single ‘post ideas’ list in March (I have so many of these lists, you have no idea), and I’m not going to sit down to ‘brainstorm’ blog posts (which, as a matter of fact, never works!). Instead, I’m going to make up content as it comes to me. This kind of mindset is where my best jokes come from! I don’t sit around trying to figure out how I can be funny in upcoming circumstances; I just keep my eyes open in everyday life settings, incorporating comedy as it fits. So, I’m going to do the same thing in blogging. When I have an idea, I’ll write about it!

I’m going to figure out how I want to blog on Living For His Delight.This is definitely still a work-in-progress, but I’ve been praying about it a lot and I feel like I’m getting closer and closer to understanding where this beautiful new blog fits into my life. I think that to get into writing posts on this site, it will take stepping out of my comfort zone, but I’m fine with that – I’m challenging myself this month!

I’ll be sharing a new blog series on Fridays called ‘Weekly Challenges.’ Today doesn’t count since I’m sharing this update post, haha, so come back next week to see what my first challenge was! I’ll explain more about what this post series is all about then.

I’ll be working out regularly and slowly getting in shape. This is something I’ve been wanting to do since the first of January (I’m quite the New Year’s resolutionist, haha), but a tailbone injury left me unable to exercise for about two weeks, which completely threw me for a loop. Now that I’ve completely recovered from that, I’m feeling more and more like taking control of my lifestyle and eating habits. One way my parents are helping me to do this is by helping pay for gym memberships for me and my brother, which he and I are very happy about! I’m taking it a day at a time, listening to my body and doing as much cardio as I can without injuring myself. My eczema and weak hips have stopped me from enjoying and being able to exercise for a long time, but I’m not going to let that hold me back anymore – I’m going to find out what works for me, showing gratitude every day for what I’m capable of. ❤

our first gym selfie!

I’m going to reduce my phone usage. I don’t know by how much yet, or if I should even have a goal in mind. All I know right now is that I feel guilty when I spend too much time on it. So, I’m going to slowly figure out what makes me happy to do on my phone, then eliminate the rest.

I’m going to keep trying new things, striving for progress over perfection. This is SUCH a huge part of my life right now. I wouldn’t call it a goal, since it’s an ongoing decision, but man – this mindset is very close to my heart. Things such as nurturing forgiveness, overcoming perfectionism, and moving out of my comfort zone are my top priority right now.

I’m going to cut back on sugar and make more healthy recipes. *looks around absently* Is this even possible?? Haha! After I got my wisdom teeth out last summer, I developed a sugar addiction post-recovery that still hasn’t gone away. I’m going to read up on how to curb a sugar addiction, because my goodness, I’m tired of feeling guilty about how much sugar I consume. I want to eat what’s right for me so that I can be happy with how I’m eating. I want processed sugar to be a weekly treat instead of a daily one! I’ll probably write more posts in-depth on this subject …

I’m going to focus more of my attention on screen-free hobbies. I mean, I love watching TV, browsing YouTube, writing blog posts, and playing video games, but I feel like I have to give my eyes a break sometimes! There are soooo many things I love to do in my room, and I want to prioritize those things higher up on my list of things to do.

This post was so much fun to write! ❤ I hope that you’re looking forward to March like I am, because I can’t wait to see what the Lord has in store for it. Let me know in the comments below:

Ooh, these sound really great! Can’t wait to see what you come up with! 😀 And oof, I should concentrate on school more. 😛 That’s a goal. But ahh I’m so glad Maggie, that you don’t feel the need to be perfect- or at least not any more. 🙂 And for everything you’re challenging yourself with!

Great post Maggie! I think it is awesome that you have another blog about our Heavenly Father! And believe me, the working out will really help. And just some tips from someone who has been working out for almost a year; 1) Do not listen to the scale. You don’t have actually do it but throw the scale out. The scale means nothing, it is just muscle replacing fat. 2) You might gain a little weight for a bit as you’re starting this journey but eventually, it will go down. 3) Make sure you stretch REALLY good. Stretching is very important. Since you’re doing cardio, which is body-weight stuff but can sometimes have some equipment, you will still feel sore the next day (if not a lot you will still feel it a little) but it won’t be as bad unless you forget to stretch. 4) Making sure you are doing the move right is important. It will make sure you are really getting the benefits of the workout. 5) There is NOTHING wrong with asking for a modification on a move. I have terrible lower back muscles so I cannot do a crunch without lifting my feet a couple inches off the ground and swing my arms to give me a boost (there are other things that include lower back muscles that are hard for me). And as a side note to that, there is nothing wrong with asking your trainer if you are doing the move right. 6) DO NOT feel bad about being stronger in one part of your body and not so strong in the next. I can do leg workouts really well (except jogging/running. I am NOT a runner) but upper body stuff, mainly arms and shoulders, are somewhat hard for me. I can still do them just, for some things, not as well as I would like to be doing. It is also normal to be stuck on the same weight for the same thing for, as an example, six months with no change (I have a couple of those), it just means you have to work on it. I am not trying to sound bossy (or mean) and I didn’t realize I would be writing that much. I’m just trying to help out a fellow blogger and sister in Jesus. I do hope at least some of this helps you to understand what working can do. There are probably some things you already knew about that I wrote, but hey, just trying to help. Hope you succeed in making your goals work and good luck with the working out. It will be tough at first you just gotta trust God and keep working on it. I’m gonna stop taking now. God bless.

Thank you!! I’m still praying over how He he wants me to use it, so I’m excited to see where He leads me. ❤
Ahhh thank you so much for all your advice! 😍💕 I’m not using the scale at all, haha – I’m going to enjoy getting fit and eating right, appreciating my body the way it is. I don’t have a goal weight, although I would like to lose a few pounds! That’s always something to keep in mind ❤ That’s one reason why I don’t like checking my weight, since there’s a fluctuation in fat loss and muscle gain! You inspired me to start stretching before and after my workouts, and that has already helped so much. I’m definitely learning how to listen to my body and shamelessly modify moves, because I’d rather be comfortable than force my body to do a move that it can’t! I’m definitely stronger in my upper body than lower, so I’ve had to learn what my limits are for both. Thank you again for all your help, I genuinely appreciate it!

It’s no problem! I learned to really stretch the hard way. The day after my first cardio class I was half squatting when I got up after sitting down. I believe that you will have an easier time watching what you eat than I do. I have a problem with what I eat. I’m not a food addict I just don’t watch what I eat. And with me wanting to make my abdomen tighter (and work on making my upper body stronger) I have to do better on how much and what I eat. But with me possibly getting braces this week (if not this week within the next few months) my eating will most likely do down quite a bit. And don’t about not being flexible enough. You’re probably a lot more flexible than me. The most you’ll see me do is on a trampoline, but that’s because I can’t get really hurt. But I’m glad that you have taken an interest in working out. I have almost been working out for a year and I have really enjoyed it. I know and have memorized most of the workouts they’ve taught that my trainer calls me her apprentice. But it’s a good thing that you’re stronger in your upper body. You will be using your abs in pretty much all the workouts you do, not all, but most. I’m really glad that I could help. You are awesome! Keep rocking it!

I’ve started stretching in so many different settings – I’ll stretch in the morning, before a workout, after a workout, any time I’ve been sitting for too long – because I find that when I don’t, my body gets really stiff. I’ve taken a lot of yoga poses and turned them into stretches I do whenever I feel sore!
I’ve actually been addicted to sugar (and really, food in general) since recovering from my wisdom teeth surgery last summer. 😣 I had to quit eating most things for a few weeks, so once my mouth could handle food again, I went crazy! It’s something I’m still working on today. The first thing I do to help keep me conscious of what I’m eating is by sticking to portion sizes. From there, I transition into eating portion sizes of healthier food, and it gets easier to do from there on out! I’ll be getting braces at some point, too, which I’m not really looking forward to but my teeth need it.
I am pretty flexible, but I have recurring hip and knee sensitivities so I’m always extra careful. You and I can rock this fitness thing! I believe in us! 🙌🏼❤️

I need to start stretching often as well. Like you said it will most likely help with being stiff. I am going to get braces as well in a few months. If it helps (if you have it and are allowed to get on it) I found a YouTube channel by Emma Louise; she has made quite a few videos about braces since she was wearing braces as she made the videos. I’ve watched at least most of them but I am watching them again to get it in my head. I’m not really looking forward to them either but it has to be done. Right now I have an expander and a band in my mouth. The expander is to expand my upper jaw and the band is to correct a tooth that moved farther than they wanted it too. With the expander I already have to watch what I eat (I can still most stuff that I used to eat I just have to take small bites) and I always have to have something to drink with me so I can remove stray food (I know that may sound gross but that’s what I have to do). Hopefully we both do well with the braces. And make ’em look good! We can do this! It may be hard at first but we just have to pray and roll with it. I believe in us too!!

I’ll have to check out Emma’s channel! Thanks for the recommendation 💓 I had to do a lot of water-swishing to keep stray food away from my gums after I was recovering from having my wisdom teeth removed, so I know what that’s like! Yes, we can do this! 😊🙌🏼

Yeah, she has a video on her routine for brushing her teeth. Which includes an electric, water pick, mouth wash, and a regular toothbrush (there are some things I’m sure I forgot). But I am really glad that I could help you! You’ll do really great!

Great goals, Maggie! I have a quick question (no need to answer if you don’t feel comfortable with it <3)–I have really severe eczema as well. How do you deal with your eczema when you're exercising? My eczema is triggered by grass + pollen, and I'm an athlete who does Ultimate Frisbee, so it's outside. I've found that wearing a long sleeve shirt and long active pants help, but I'd love suggestions if you have any!

Thanks Lilian 💜 and thank you for your question! I’m sorry to hear you have severe eczema, too. 😢 Here are some of my tips:
I usually wear a tank top and shorts, which is the opposite of what you do, since my skin responds poorly to heat and not pollen. Taking a shower after working out feels really good too, especially if you do a warm/cool shower to give your skin time to chill out without being exposed to a lot of heat and steam! (That can make me even itchier)
Since your skin responds negatively to grass and pollen, it might help you to find a natural sunscreen or lotion to protect your skin in a way.
I’ll be writing some posts soon on coping with eczema, so I’ll definitely take your question and do some research on it for a post! 😊

Hello!

Thank you so much for visiting my blog! My name’s Maggie. <3 I adore following the Lord’s plan for my life, drinking coffee, reading books, and being creative. Dreaming of Guatemala is a Christian lifestyle site, where I delight in sharing what I’m learning, what I’m passionate about, and encouraging others along the way. Click here if you’d like to learn more about me!